Culture Night 2016 will take place on Friday September 16th from 5pm-11pm.

One night of entertainment, art and cultural events in historic venues

Everyone’s getting involved with Culture Night, one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year. Across Ireland’s Ancient East, arts and cultural organisations open their doors until late, with hundreds of free events, tours, talks and performances for you, your family and friends to enjoy.

From 5pm-11pm, come together to enjoy the magnificent creations our culture communities have to offer.

1400+ Venues 3000+ Free Events in 40+ Locations

The annual event will take place this year on Friday the 16th of September.

Museums, galleries, churches and buildings in Carlow, Kilkenny and around the country will open their doors to the public and host free tours, performances, workshops and demonstrations.

Events held as part of the Culture Night programme are typically free and run between 5pm and 11pm, allowing locals the opportunity to sometimes see behind the doors and scenes of cultural institutions, buildings, and venues that they may never otherwise experience.

When local events are merged into the national pool, today should see the announcement of some 3,000 or more events taking place right across Ireland on 16 September.

Quotes & Facts

The elevation of Kilkenny is 60 metres (200 ft) above sea level. The area of Kilkenny borough is 3.74 square kilometres (1.44 sq mi). Kilkenny is the smallest city in Ireland and although all cities in Ireland are by the coast or along a river Kilkenny is the only city that is not tidal.

Irish legend describes Dunmore Cave, seven miles north of Kilkenny, as one of Ireland’s darkest places and the site where the monster Luchtigen 'The Lord of the Mice' was killed.The gravestone of Daniel O’Connell in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin is made from Kilkenny black marble, and the stone was also used in the construction of Cobh Cathedral in Cork

In 1922, the Butler family - namely Lord and Lady Ossory - were residents of the castle. The Irish Civil war, raged around them. Lord Ossory memorably wrote that he was woken at the "unreasonable hour of 5.30am" by his butler, who brought the news that Republican forces had seized and occupied his castle.

On learning that Bishop Kearney was buried in a tomb within St Canice’s Cathedral;

“I have to admit it was very exciting and it was great to finally prove conclusively that Barack Obama’s sixth generation grand uncle was the Bishop of Ossory who died in Kilkenny city at the Bishop’s Palace in 1813. It is now the headquarters of the Heritage Council."

Local Academic Gabriel Murray

One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century.